What is a Pump Start Relay?

Pumps - Parts and Components

A
pump start relay is an electrical device that allows your irrigation timer to communicate with the pump. This device is imperative when you are using a pump to supply water to your irrigation system. Pumps are built to use normal house currents; the relay changes the irrigation timer to normal household voltage. Pump start relays must be mounted at a minimum of 15 feet from the timer and pump to avoid electrical interferences that cause malfunctions.

When a pump is to be operated by the controller, a pump start relay must be used.

To connect the pump start relay:

Route a wire pair from the pump relay into the controller housing.

Connect a common wire to the terminal slot C (Common) and the remaining wire from the pump relay to the P/MV screw slot.

WARNING: Do not connect the controller directly to the pump. The controller will be damaged.